10 Mental benefits of sports!

What is sport?

The concept of sports does not simply include physical exercise, but is about striving for maximum physical performance, while at the same time the person learns to follow some rules and respect teammates and competitors.

In ancient times, in fact, sport was an integral element of the education of young people, since apart from physical well-being, it was also aimed at cultivate the spirit.

In general, sport includes many fields with individual or team, aerobic or anaerobic sports. Studies show that aerobic exercises practically have a greater benefit for the health of the body, but certainly the combination of the two is the best.

Sports benefits in psychology

The benefits are many, both for a person’s physical and mental health. For most people, exercise acts as therapy as it works naturally on the body to provide benefits such as:

• obesity prevention
• prevention of type II diabetes
• improving cholesterol levels
• increase in muscle mass
• breathing improvement
• increasing self-confidence
• emotional stability
• mood improvement
• better sex health
• addiction reduction
• reduction of heart diseases etc

A body in order to remain healthy must pay a minimum dose of physical exercise every day. Below you will see the 10 biggest scientific facts about the beneficial effects of sports on the psychology:

1. Increases self-confidence

When someone does sports realizes his/her strengths and becomes independent, improving his/her self-image and thus increasing his/her self-confidence. [1,2]

Often, those who exercise are more likely to accomplish their goals. Many times they have more chances to succeed in areas even outside the playing field, such as e.g. their work.

2. Reduces stress

Research shows that physical exercise has a significant effect on reducing stress, helping with psychological and mental well-being. In the short term, symptoms such as repetitive negative thoughts, nervousness, simple phobias and everyday stress are improved.

Also, with sports, it is easier to control changes in mental mood, anxiety, emotional tension, and even depression.

3. Emotional stability

Physical activity helps function and activate certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine. These regulate the brain function and contribute to the emotional stability of a person.

4. Mood improvement

One of the biggest mental benefits of sports is improving mood. The release of endorphins after exercise has a beneficial effect on the body by increasing mood/euphoria and reducing depression.

5. More energy

Research shows that regular exercise makes people more productive both in their professional and personal lives. Exercise increases blood flow carrying oxygen and nutrients to the muscles. This improves the person to be more alert and energetic.

At the same time, the hormones of “joy” (endorphins) that are secreted, promote the feeling of well-being, we feel full of energy and thus it is easier to deal with daily tasks, even if they seem exhausting.

6. Improves sexual health

You may wonder how sports contribute to sexual health. And yet! A national survey showed that people who exercise have higher rates of sexual satisfaction than people who do not exercise.

7. Better self-control

How many times have you lost your self-control in everyday small and big problems for no real reason? Exercise helps to relax and release our inner tension, thus making it easier to control our daily behavior.

8. Socialization

With sports, a person connects with teammates and friends in a more entertaining environment. Especially when he/she is in a group he/she automatically socializes, becomes active and his/her whole mood changes.

Our interpersonal relationships are thus strengthened and we spend quality time, having both physically and psychologically benefits, since we feel part of a team.

9. Leadership skills

Studies in high schools show the correlation between participation in sports and leadership skills. While training and trying to win or lose together, people adopt a team mentality at school or work, as well as in social situations. All these over time strengthen a person’s leadership skills.

10. Improve memory & concentration

Sports activity helps to improve brain function. Many studies agree that it has many benefits for memory and concentration.

Therefore, even at older ages, playing sports can improve and prevent various brain problems.

Sports benefits for children

Sports activity at a young age benefits children in many areas.

• Doing sports or exercise is established. When children participate in sports from a young age, they usually stay active later, reaping all the above benefits.
• Socialization. Participation in team sports leads to the improvement of their social and academic performance.
• Stay away from addictions. One of the greatest benefits that sports can have for children and especially for teenagers are the very low rates observed regarding various bad and often destructive habits, such as alcohol, smoking, various substances, etc.

In conclusion

We see that with sports activity one can improve one’s mood and psychology, both thanks to emotional stability and to everything we analyzed above.

Playing sports or even just exercising is good to be a part of our lives and see it as something useful and fun. So try to adopt new habits that allow you to improve your everyday life and your psychology!

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